BAKER — Standing a chiseled 6-foot-1 and weighing 215 pounds, rising senior Monte Barto is a force to be reckoned with for Baker School's football team.
A fullback in the Gator offense, Barto mans the middle linebacker spot in the Baker defense.
And Gator Coach Matt Brunson is glad to have Barto on his side.
“I think Monte is one of the best players in the area because he’s worked so hard to get to where he is,” Brunson said. “His strength levels are through the roof and he runs well. We are expecting big things from him on both sides of the ball.
Not only that, he’s a leader on our team — not just by words, but the way he works in the weight room and the way he works on the practice field bringing positive energy.”
We now catch up with Monte Barto.
Q:How old were you when you started playing football?
A: I first started playing football my second-grade year. I was 7 years old. The first year I played football, I quit. And then I came back out the next year and decided I was going to push myself to do it.
Q:What's the best part of football?
A: Hitting.
Q:What's the worst part of football?
A: Nothing, not even the running.
Q:What are your expectations this season?
A:Great team chemistry and a state championship.
Q:If you had to pick a different sport to play, what would it be?
A: Football, but I if I had to pick another it would be weightlifting to get stronger for football.
Q:What is your favorite football experience?
A:It had to be last play of the Northview game (in 2014). I got the ball and ran it up the middle and got the first down and we won the district championship last year.
Q:What are your hobbies outside football?
A: Church and pretty much school. Church and school is it.
Q:What's your dream career?
A:Football. I want to go to the NFL (National Football League). Or I want to get a degree in political science and be a politician.
Q:Do you want to play college football?
A:I want to play anywhere that gives me the opportunity to shine. But I would go to the University of Alabama and play for Nick Saban because he’s one of the best coaches ever.
Q:What is your favorite movie?
A:“Pirates of the Caribbean.”
Q:Who is your favorite singer?
A:Rich Homie Quan.
Q:If you could be a cartoon character, who would you be?
A:I would be Bugs Bunny because he irritates people and he’s elusive and nobody can catch him.
Randy Dickson is the Crestview News Bulletin’s sports editor. Email him at randyd@crestviewbulletin.com, tweet him @cnb_sports, or call 682-6524.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Catching up with Monte Barto